Philip Duffy has been appointed
as the new Chief Executive of the Environment Agency (EA) and
will start in the role on 1 July.
Philip has had a long career in
the civil service and joins from HM Treasury where he
was Director-General of Growth and
Productivity, leading work on the environment, transport,
productivity, business support and culture. In this role he
oversaw the Treasury’s work on spending and policies to create
sustainable growth across the UK.
As Chief
Executive, Philip will lead the EA’s work in tackling some of the
biggest challenges facing the environment, from climate change
and extreme weather events through to improving the health of
England’s waters for the benefit of people and
wildlife.
The appointment follows a
competitive recruitment round.
Commenting on his
appointment, Philip Duffy said:
“I am delighted
to be taking on leadership of the Environment Agency. The
Agency’s mission – to protect and enhance the environment and
support sustainable development – has never been more
critical.
“The Agency can
be proud of its record. And as it approaches its 30th anniversary, I look
forward to hearing from all
sides about what should come
next, and what more the
Agency could do to make
this the first generation to leave the environment in a better
state than it inherited.”
Chair of the
Environment Agency, Alan Lovell, said:
“We’re very excited to have
Philip joining the Environment Agency. As climate change and
population growth increase the pressures on England’s precious
resources, we have a vital role delivering for people, nature and
the economy. Philip brings considerable experience from the
Treasury and will head up a truly excellent Executive
team.
“The Board and I are grateful
to for his leadership over the
last seven years and look forward to building on strong
foundations to help the Environment Agency deliver even more in
the years to come.”
Environment Secretary
Thérèse Coffey said:
“I want to thank Sir James for
his service as Chief Executive of the Environment Agency over the
last seven years.
“I congratulate Philip on his
appointment and look forward to working with him as we continue
to deliver on our shared national endeavour to improve
the
environment.”
Sir will step down as Chief
Executive on 31 March 2023 as planned, after over seven years in
post. EA Executive Director for Local Operations John Curtin will
be Chief Executive until Philip Duffy starts in the role on 1
July.
Further
information:
- The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body set
up under the Environment Act 1995 to take an integrated approach
to environmental protection and enhancement in England. It has
major responsibilities in flood management, water resources and
quality, climate change, land quality, chemicals, pollution
prevention and control, waste, conservation and biodiversity,
fisheries conservation, air quality and
navigation.
- The Board for the Environment Agency comprises a Chair and 10
members.
- The Chief Executive is appointed by the Chair and the
Board.
